Colorado Photography of the American West

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13 December 2009

Christmas Tree Hunt

A framed photo of a man on a mission to find the perfect Christmas tree ventures out into the snowy wilderness of a Colorado forest.Every year for the last ten we have ventured out into the forest to cut our Christmas tree. We usually start searching for the right tree that we want to invite into our home for the holidays in the fall, when the ground is still bare and it is much easier to walk through the rugged terrain.

Cutting your own Christmas tree can be very satisfying. First you have to hunt one down. Then after stalking it for awhile and making sure there is not a better candidate to be found, you wait for the Christmas season to arrive. Finally it is time and you are ready for your tree, but you look at your mate and say, "Where did we see that tree?" Finally, memories intact and boots on, you trudge through snow to where you remember you found the tree, and with a rather small but dangerously sharp hand saw you cut it down and drag it home. Mission accomplished!

We have a forest of primarily Ponderosa Pines and Douglas Firs around our home and the little firs make the best Christmas trees. They smell like lemons when freshly cut and are soft to the touch. Plus they always grow at least two feet after you bring them inside.



A man on a mission to find the perfect Christmas tree ventures out into the snowy wilderness of a Colorado forest.
Western Man in Winter
A man on a mission to find the perfect Christmas tree ventures out into the snowy wilderness of a Colorado forest.
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Man looks considers small fir tree for Christmas tree in the Rocky Mountains.
Is this the one?



My very own front door and snowy stone walk decorated for the holidays beckon the weary traveler to stop in for a cup of hot chocolate.

A framed photo of my very own front door and snowy stone walk decorated for the holidays beckon the weary traveler to stop in for a cup of hot chocolate.
Holiday Front Door
My very own front door and snowy stone walk decorated for the holidays beckon the weary traveler to stop in for a cup of hot chocolate.
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18 comments:

  1. Great post Julie. There have been a couple times I've cut down a live tree and there is something special in doing so. Over the years I've planted hundreds of trees here in Ohio probably 3/4s of them were pine. I love trees.. What do you think of Nikon model D3000. They have it on sale at BestBuy. Haven't decided yet but would appreciate your input

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  2. The sandy snow I can say.
    And today only I read that Christmas trees are available for rent too. And now I am reading another good information. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. I would like to experience that someday! =)

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  4. it must be really really interesting u got to pick ur own xmas tree in the wood! [ normally we could only get it in the market sob sob ] :D

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  5. i wish i could open my door to see snow one day

    A smile from SJ =)

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  6. I'm sure that's such a fun experience to pick your tree from the "wild" rather than a tree farm. Great photos and hope we get to see the one you picked!

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  7. Beaded Tail, the tree in the center photo is the one we picked. It is so beautiful and it did grow when we brought it in. LOL

    Joe, I sent you an email and link. :)

    For those of you who have not had the experience of snow you should definitely put it on your list of things to see. It is one of my favorite things.

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  8. What a fun time with your husband. Such sweet memories. Wish I were closer to knock on your door for a cup of cocoa!

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  9. Such beauty and comfort in this tradition. They grow 2 more feet? Do you have to keep changing the decorations to accommodate the growth spurt?! (I always had to do that with the daughter so it's on my mind...)

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  10. Giraffe, indeed! When they are in the forest they look just the right size, but as soon as they come in that front door they shoot right up at least two feet. ;)

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  11. That door is very inviting indeed! I think I would stop and knock on it if I was walking by ~ hoping for a cup of hot chocolate. Maybe I would be lucky and get a cookie too!

    Lovely photos as always!

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  12. Wow thats cool! My idea of picking a tree is going to the tent set up next to a local church :)

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  13. You have such great photos!

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  14. What a great post and what an adventure it must be to find and cut down your own Christmas tree. Your posts and pictures inspire me to live life to the fullest and to endeavour to get to where I want to be in this vast world.
    Thank you, Julie!

    Wishing you and yours a very merry festive season.

    Jessica

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  15. Beautiful winter pics...

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  16. Sounds like a fun way to do it!

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  17. Wow sounds like a lot of fun! Great pictures!

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Contemporary photography of the cities, landscapes, flora and fauna of the American West.
Julie Magers Soulen Photography